For six glorious days you will cruise past spectacular alpine vistas, through quaint mountain towns, and beside meadows of Rocky Mountain wildflowers. Crystal clear alpine lakes nestled in secluded valleys beckon cyclists to cool off in their invigorating waters while at days end, natural hot springs soothe tired muscles. Leaving Yoho National Park via Hwy 1 west promises an exciting downhill ride to Natural Bridge park where we'll load the bikes and shuttle into Golden and on to Glacier National Park. With an area of 1,350 square km, the park is set in the Columbia Mountains. The road draws us westward towards the city of Revelstoke with its historic downtown area, and Mount Revelstoke National Park. The countryside is full of sweet smelling meadows surrounded by rolling hills. It is hard to imagine that the beauty will keep getting better and better, but it does.
Learn more about our TourzPlus™ partner tours and how they differ from regular ExperiencePlus! bicycle tours.
Day 1: Meet at the Banff train station
Highlights: Lake Louise, the Great Divide
We'll gather at the Banff train station (time to be determined)and shuttle to Lake Louise for a quick look around before setting out on our bikes. Then it's west across the Great Divide into British Columbia for an exhilarating coast down Kicking Horse Pass. Later in the day, we shuttle through Glacier National Park to our beautiful Bed & Breakfast in Revelstoke. Distance: 16 miles (26 km).Day 2: Revelstoke to Halcyon Hot Springs
Highlights: Columbia River Valley, hot springs
After a delicious breakfast it's an early departure for the ride south down the spectacular Columbia River valley. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Shelter Bay before crossing Upper Arrow Lake by ferry. Our destination are the luxurious cabins at Halcyon (natural) Hot Springs - the perfect location to soak under the stars after a great day of cycling. Distance: 50 miles (80 km).Day 3: Halcyon Hot Springs to Slocan Lake
Highlights: Three Island Lake, Slocan Lake, New Denver
Today we cycle out of the Arrow Lake basin and ride over a pass (11km/7mile moderate climb) up to Three Island Lake. We have lunch next to the lake and then enjoy a thrilling 17-km descent to Slocan Lake. Ride through the historic village of New Denver and stop for ice cream and a tour of the local maritime museum, where one can learn about the diverse history of the region. We'll spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at our guest house, nestled along the lake. Another wonderful dinner will be a fitting finish to a fantastic day. Distance: 45 miles (72km).Day 4: Slocan Lake to Nelson
Highlights: Sandon, swim at Fish Lake, Valhalla Provincial Park
After a good night's sleep, it's on to the bikes again. Departing Slocan Lake we have an optional single track ride through the Selkirk Mountains on a historic rail bed. Half way up the pass, we take a side trip up to the ghost town of Sandon once the wealthiest silver mining community on the continent. After lunch we continue up to Fish Lake where we go for a refreshing swim. Spectacular views of the lake and Valhalla Provincial Park will be the highlight before we settle down into Retallack's Cat Ski Lodge. Distance: 31 miles (50 km).Day 5: Nelson to Crawford Bay
Highlights: long downhill, Kootenay Lake, Ainsworth Hot Springs
We start our day with an seemigly endless and effortless 17-mile (27-km)!! downhill to Kootenay Lake and the pretty town of Kaslo. A short stop to swim, snack or shop for hand-crafted souvenirs is order before continuing along the lake to Ainsworth Hot Springs. The hot pools and steaming caves are a welcomed reward. After soaking we board a ferry across Kootenay Lake toward our magic 100 year old lodge at Crawford Bay. Distance 31-45 miles (50-75 km).Day 6: Crawford Bay to Creston and shuttle back to Banff
Highlights: Kootenay Lake
Our morning ride takes us along the shores of Kootenay Lake, dotted with many little resorts and secluded coves. Cyclists will enjoy the light traffic and spectacular mountain and lake views. This last day's ride takes us in the direction of Creston before returning to Banff by van at approximately 6:00 P.M. Distance: 25-50 miles (40-80km).-
HighlightsYoho National Park, Revelstoke, Kootenay Lake, Valhalla Provincial Park, Halcyon Natural Hot Springs, Roger's Pass, Ainsworth Hot Springs
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IncludesQuality 27-spd hybrid bicycle; 5 nights accommodation in beautiful lodges; 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners; professional guide services; support vehicle and luggage transport; ferries and transfers; all National Park fees and permits
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CountriesCanada
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Begin/EndBanff
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Arrive/DepartCalgary International Airport (YYC)
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Total Distance214 - 253 miles (347 - 410 km)
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Daily Distance25 - 50 miles (40 - 81 km)
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What to ExpectMountains, swimming, orchards, and great rides
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Rating301
Our hybrid bikes have a carbon fork and lightweight aluminum frame. There is an optional single track ride and a small section of dirt road. -
Notes
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Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Notes | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 30 - Jul 05, 2013 | CAD$2545 | CAD$450 | Prices are subject to 5% GST. Save CAD$150 if you bring your own bike. | Book It |
| Jul 28 - Aug 02, 2013 | CAD$2545 | CAD$450 | Prices are subject to 5% GST. Save CAD$150 if you bring your own bike. | Book It |
| Aug 25 - 30, 2013 | CAD$2545 | CAD$450 | Prices are subject to 5% GST. Save CAD$150 if you bring your own bike. | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | ||||
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
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City (not part of route, provided for reference)Favorite exprience on the trip?: Let's see, riding, wild flowers, crossing the river in a cage, not much traffic, eating a lot, perfect weather, beautiful mountains, raging streams and waterfalls, enormous lakes, picnics, swimming, hot springs - ok, the whole experience.
Becca A., Fort Collins, CO
